Sexual harassment is huge in the restaurant industry, from the top down to the bottom up.

Do we really have 50 essential restaurants in the Capital Region? Not really, I’m thinking 20 at very most. Perhaps we have 50 individuals important to the local restaurant/food scene. Off the top of my head while watching baseball: Steve Barnes, Eric Paul, Dominick Purnomo, Bob Lee, Paul Mccullough, Rob Handel, Angelo Mazzone, Joe Armstrong, Vic Christopher, Daniel Berman, David Gardell, Dimitrios Menagias, Yono, Eric Guenther, Jim Rua, Greg Kern, SCCC, Jonathan Stewart, Michael Mastrantouno, Donna Purnomo. There are more, and I know I’ve overlooked many and there are those that I’m just not aware of. Help me out, who’s on your list that I’ve not included?

We need more cooks and fewer Executive chefs.

We need more owners that understand the difference between a Chef and an Executive chef.

Truth be told, I’m not sure I’ve ever actually been an Executive chef.

I recently read an ad for an Executive Chef’s position (for a local independent brand) that oversees 4 units. The pay was listed at 45K.

Low pay is a big issue in our business, from top to bottom.

When the last restaurant you worked in still uses photos of your work for new posts on Facebook

I look forward to hanging out by the sauna at Crossgates Mall in my bathrobe while eating BBQ flatbread

Filling large take-out orders is not what I’d consider catering. Apparently Chipotle does catering.

Jenn and I need to get to 15 Church sooner than later.

Joe Buck certainly can beat a topic to death.

Stop bastardizing carbonara. If what you’ve made is not carbonara, call it something else.

English is many people’s 2nd language, even when it’s their only language.

I’m going to start on two new projects next week. One is outlining a mentoring program where us old experienced chefs can help out young cooks on their way up. I really think we need this. Message me on Facebook if you think it’s something you’d like to be a part of. Sometimes people just need someone to talk to with all the things we deal with in the industry.

Saying penne pasta is like saying apple fruit.

Putting the ball in play is also important in baseball. Kind of important in life too.

I don’t need the shit that goes along with all the shit. I have no intention of being over-dependent on the labor pool in my future endeavors.

Congratulations to the Houston Colt .45’s.

Welcome back to Boston, Alex Cora.

I generally dislike running specials out of my kitchen unless I’m gauging a dish for a new menu.

There are typically three kinds of specials: “we’ve got some surplus product” or “use this up before it goes bad.” That’s the reason I don’t order specials, I don’t want your “about to turn product.” There’s the owner that simply likes specials, they want one app, one entrée, and one dessert every day. I hate that, it breeds poorly thought out dishes. Finally, there’s the “trying a dish for an upcoming menu to get some feedback and test the execution in the kitchen.” I don’t mind that one as much since it’s likely something the chef has been putting some thought into rather than simply cleaning out the cooler.

I once saw cream of cheese soup on a specials board. That’s what happens when you force it.

Very recently a special called NY Strip Parmesan: NY strip grilled to order, finished with marinara and melted cheddar cheese served over penne pasta.

Thank you so much, Lisa. I’m working getting myself back into the kitchen very soon. I do miss so many things, and It’ll give me more to write about. I’m smarter now then I was six months ago for sure.

I have to speak up. Food in this town sucks. Appetizers are okay because you’re starving when you order them. Entrees are almost always a disappointment because it’s one thing that is almost always overcooked. You can set your clock by it! I am not a gourmand, have a small stomach…, just want to enjoy my meal. I have had excellent meals when you have been “present” in the kitchen. There’s just so far I’ll go accepting dinner with a nod and a fork. I am incapable of eating something just because it’s there. I don’t even know where to go any more There is such a void to be filled, and you are capable of doing that! Please do so